Cow Creek Hut, Tararuas

Originally this trip was going to Howlett’s Hut in the Ruahines, but looking at the weather outside on Friday and the forecast ahead, Kevin and the trip leader of the tandem EM group (Garth) made the right decision to postpone and relocate to the Tararuas. After having a pie stop en route (unusual on the … Read more

Over a cuppa – June 2015

I’ve been so busy organising exciting presentations for our Wednesday nights, that I’ve forgotten to tell you about them. Here’s what is coming up for the next month, including our WTMC Member’s only discount night at Wellington Bivouac store on 21 July. 24 June – Double feature! Paul Maxim, author of Bold Beyond Belief, will … Read more

PNTMC 50th Jubilee

Palmerston North Tramping and Mountaineering Club 50th Jubilee 27-29 November 2015 Calling all past members Palmerston North Tramping and Mountaineering Club celebrate their 50th Jubilee 27-29 November 2015 with a weekend of fun and fellowship at Camp Rangi Woods in the picturesque Pohangina Valley. If you have been a member of PNTMC and would like … Read more

Kawekas

The last long weekend for a while meant quite a few people headed to the Kawkeas for three days of excellent tramping. The medium’s plan was to camp out all three nights, which meant lugging our tents up hill and down dale. No huts for us, even though there were a few on the route. … Read more

Annual Bivouac Discount Night

Once again, Bivouac is offering an exclusive opportunity just for WTMC members next month on Tuesday 21 July (time to be confirmed but around about 6pm) at their store on 39 Mercer St in Wellington. Come along to get an exclusive look at what’s new in tramping and mountaineering gear. More importantly, if you come … Read more

Te Matawai Hut via Mangahao River

Day 0 – Fly Camping at Mangahao Dam After Megan skilfully negotiated the windy road from Shannon to the top Mangahao Dam, we fly camped at the face of the dams. The recent rain had meant that the spillway was open and a little noisy. Day 1 – Mangahao Dams to Te Matawai Hut via … Read more

Umukarikari Range

  The adventure started before the trip even began. Heavy flooding stuck Wellington the day before, closing offices and stranding commuters. There was some concern that the road north might be closed and that even if it wasn’t driving in the direction of the weather we had just experienced was foolhardy at best. These concerns … Read more

Totara Flats

After stopping at Carterton’s Wild Oats Café for the obligatory pre-tramp and in a few people’s cases, necessary, morning coffee, our party of 12 arrived at the Holdsworth carpark mid-morning. After divvying up group gear and food we started walking in fine but crisp weather. Unnaturally for the Tararuas, we had clear skies and virtually … Read more

Waipakihi Hut via Urchin

  Having scheduled a couple of trips to the Kaimanawas only to see them founder from a lack of interest I was getting pretty desperate to explore this unknown Forest Park. It was fortunate therefore that it now appeared on the schedule as both medium and easy medium trips, so I keenly signed up. Following … Read more

Mt Arthur, Tablelands and Rock Shelters in the Kahurangi NP

The serious bit for those wanting useful details: We took the 6:30pm ferry to Picton, and drove 1hr 30mins to camp overnight at Kowhai Point beside the Wairau River ($6pp). Saturday morning we drove 2hrs to Flora Saddle road end. There is a phantom bridge across the Motueka River marked on the road atlas. Make … Read more